The reference is from my sister Mal's photo and the work is in oil on paper sized 9'' by 12''.This tree is next to the window of my room and there lives a koel, the Indian singing bird, singing all day till dusk (can you find the birdie here?!).The koel has been living in this tree for many years now. There has not been any change in his daily routine. He wakes up as early as 2 am in the morning and starts singing kuhoo kuhoooo and there used to be a reply to that call from another koel from a nearby tree (probably his soul mate?) and the musical conversations went on and on for the day. But for the last one year, the birdie doesn't get a reply. I have no idea what happened to the soul mate, may be she left the place or the inevitable happened. But the bird continued to sing in spite of not getting any reply, waking up every day at the same time with the same spirit, not even thinking if some one was listening to his song. The street is buzzing with about 20 people crossing the tree every minute, but I have my doubts if anyone has really paid attention to the bird's beautiful song! Small wonders of nature have been conveniently ignored in our busy life.The koel has a lot of similarity with one of the most special men in my life, my grandfather, who was a great musician. He lost his wife at the age of 28, was left with a toddler and an infant to take care and he never remarried! He brought up his girls and continued to live with a detachment for the world around, but with a great passion for his music till the age of 90. He taught music to many and his music lives till today through his students. He taught me music when I did not realize the value of what he taught, I let him down by not doing my best. He probably felt sad about it inside but never said anything aloud. It is a regret that I live with. When I had the opportunity to spend time with him during his last few days, I apologized for letting him down and it made me feel little better....It is never too late to say sorry isn't it? :-)
The painting brings the wish to meditate. About the deep blue sky above the singing trees.
ReplyDeleteThe text brings the wish to call my parents and to tell them how I love them and how I am sorry about being sometimes rude and impatient.
And one more thing. The more I learn the painting technique the more technical my view of art becomes, moves to left-side brain understanding. And I am afraid to lose the feeling of art, afraid that shape will win over the content.
And I have just been notified about your comment in my blog. Thank you, Padmaja.
I think I can hear the chirp of the little bird. I is never to late to say your sorry however even tho you feel you may have let him down about music I am assured you made him so proud in other areas. Take a look at your art which is true music from the soul.
ReplyDeleteOf course i can see the bird!..The deep blue of the sky makes it look like wee hours and the serenity accompanied with this time of the day.Its sad that this little birdie lost its mate, but heartening that it continues with life!Teaches us something, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteOh, but music and art are the same thing! He knew you had the same kind of inner passion that he did, I'm sure. The painting is lovely. So serene and calming.
ReplyDeleteYour words are so beautiful, your heart so big, Padmaja. I love this painting, the bit of violet in the corner...Your words and your image...they have a certain resignation yet peace to them. Beautiful image and haunting thoughts.
ReplyDeleteoh gosh.. that little birdie is the cutest!!
ReplyDeleteI really like the way you captured the edge of light in this painting. I see the bird and enjoyed your story about him and your grandfather. I'm sure he understood that if music was your love you would have done more with it like you have with your art. My grandson likes art, and paints once in awhile, but I know if it was his passion he would paint more often.I understand and still love him.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful blue you have built up in this painting, Padmaja. Yes, I saw the bird while viewing the picture, first. I love your story about the koel and your Grandfather. Your Grandfather communicated with you through what he knew. What a wonderful experience!
ReplyDeletethe sky and the scene is perfect for the koel. very interesting subject!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful, Padmaja. And a nice story to go with it.
ReplyDeleteBut then painting is singing with colors :) I am sure your Grandfather saw /heard that!
ReplyDeleteLovely painting and I found the koel. Your description of the birdie singing is so sweet. And I would say that your grandfather's spirit is aware of your creativity. His creative journey was through music and yours through painting and writing. You and your grandfather share that.
ReplyDeletenow a days ou know what Padmaja...your words and writings are beautiful,I tend to comment abt this first ....this painting is simply beautiful with this bird...wow!
ReplyDeleteHai Madam
ReplyDeletewonderful story and amazing work...wishing you more and more prosperity in life and in yr creative journeys..
This is very nice... A feel of tranquility and yes music.
ReplyDeleteBy the way the banyan tree was superb.
What a touching post and wonderfully moody painting. I see your birdie in there :) I'm happy to know that you hear his song. Perhaps he's singing especially for you now that his soul mate is gone?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your Grandfather was very proud of your artistic talents and was happy to know you appreciated and valued the lessons he taught you.
Thank you, Padmaja, for reminding me to appreciate and recognize all the beautiful people and things that surround me.
What a beautiful painting and I can see why you would be inspired to paint this. I enjoyed reading about your grandfather, wow...what a man! Loved your post and the richness of the painting.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Padmaja. The bird sounds like the Mourning Doves we have here. They come around early in the morning and make a mournful cooing. They are always in pairs.
ReplyDeleteA really serene work accompanied by touching thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteThis fabulous work with us
Good creations
To get the full effect and impact of this wonderful work, you need to enlarge it. What beautiful touches of colour on the leaves and the gradation of blues and purples in the sky!
ReplyDeleteYour early morning light and thoughts are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA great homage to thatha.....I never thought of the parallel-I am sure he's proud of you!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous colours in this painting, and a lovely story to go with it.
ReplyDeleteHi Pad!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, evocative painting this is!
"Small wonders of nature have been conveniently ignored in our busy life." You're so right... if we don't train ourselves to keep our eyes and ears open while going about our daily routines we miss so much right around us. I'm glad you see.. and hear!
Re: Your grandfather... ah, but the older, wiser ones know and understand the nature of children. As children, we had not yet developed that awareness for the passage of time. I'm quite sure he treasured his time with you... and was proud of the sweet, caring person that you are.
This is my first visit to your blogspace. You have so many interesting things going on here. I too feel the same: that we should not wait till it is too late to tell someone that we love them.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice knowing your grandfather through your blog.
All the best to you, Rama.
I spotted the bird too... The bird probably is telling you that you can still fulfill you Grandpa's wish. Why don't sing the songs he has taught you. You have a melodious voice. The bird will be happy to hear you. Lovely paintings!!! It is worth living a life like yours!!
ReplyDeleteAbbi
This painting is not only beautiful..but deeply touching..and the title is magnificent and soulful..especially after reading about your grandfather's touching journey of life and loss and beauty and creation of music..what a special man!
ReplyDeleteHUgs..what a beautiful post...fantastic art...meditation for the soul.
Victoria